Jenna Bush Hager, co-host of *Today with Jenna & Friends*, recently opened up about the relatable and humorous side of being the daughter of a former U.S. president.
While George W. Bush is a highly respected figure, especially for his time as the 43rd president, Jenna revealed that, like many daughters, she sometimes finds her dad a bit embarrassing.
During a candid conversation with guest host Taraji P. Henson on the January 17 episode of *Today*, Jenna made a lighthearted confession.
She admitted that, despite the public perception of her father as a dignified leader, he can still manage to embarrass her in typical parental ways.
Jenna explained that she occasionally has to remind her dad to “keep it cool” when they are in public or when attention turns toward him.
“My dad embarrasses me, I have to be honest,” she shared. “And sometimes, I’ll say to him, like, ‘Dad, the attention is gonna be on you—try to just keep it cool.'”
The admission might seem surprising given George W. Bush’s stature, but Jenna’s comment about her father’s tendency to “do things” that she finds embarrassing is not unusual for any child. Even as an adult, it’s clear that the bond between the Bushes remains filled with humor and affection.
Jenna took the opportunity to reflect on a moment that recently captured the public’s attention, further illustrating the quirky, relatable side of her father. The viral moment took place at the memorial service for former President Jimmy Carter, where George W. Bush was seen greeting former President Barack Obama with a casual and unexpected tap on the belly. This humorous gesture sparked a flurry of online reactions, with many finding it amusing due to the informal and playful nature of the interaction between two former presidents.
Jenna couldn’t help but laugh as she recalled the moment, describing it as her father giving Obama a “little man tap.” As much as she might have been embarrassed by it in the moment, Jenna also acknowledged the genuine affection that the two former presidents share, with Taraji P. Henson chiming in to call it a “testament” to their relationship. It was a reminder that even political leaders, with all their responsibility and formality, can share funny, offbeat moments that humanize them.
While Jenna may occasionally feel the typical pangs of parental embarrassment, she also shared how much she treasures the time she spent growing up with her father. Despite his sometimes awkward antics, she emphasized the love and support he always gave. “He was present. He was paying attention to us,” she said, reflecting fondly on her upbringing. “And he made us feel like we could do anything.” This sense of encouragement and attentiveness was something that shaped Jenna’s view of her father, and she has continued to carry that sense of support throughout her life.
In her remarks, Jenna balanced the humorous moments of embarrassment with a deep sense of admiration for the way her father shaped her childhood. While his public persona may be one of a serious leader, within the family, George W. Bush is just like any other dad—someone who might embarrass you from time to time but who also shows up with love and care when it matters most.
The candid conversation between Jenna and Taraji P. Henson also highlighted the universal nature of family dynamics, with Jenna admitting that even as an adult, she sometimes has to manage the public perception of her father while also navigating the classic, endearing moments that make up family life. Whether it’s a public mishap or an intimate family moment, it’s clear that George W. Bush is much more than just a former president to Jenna—he’s also her dad, quirks and all.
Jenna’s heartfelt yet humorous revelations remind us that even the most famous individuals have their funny, human sides. In the end, it’s those moments of imperfection that often make for the most memorable experiences in any family.
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